Cameron Miranda
A Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) or a Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD) is a research doctorate degree in law that is equivalent to a Ph.D. degree. It is the most advanced law degree offered by universities such as Harvard, Stanford, NYU, and several universities in Canada and Australia. The JSD is a highly selective program that admits only a small number of students with outstanding academic credentials and a professional degree in law. The program provides intense training in academic research and is geared toward those intending to pursue a career in legal academia. Therefore, a JSD degree holder can practice law.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree Name | Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) or Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD) |
| Degree Level | Research doctorate degree in law, equivalent to a Ph.D. |
| Purpose | Designed for aspiring legal academics who wish to pursue independent study, research, and writing, often with a focus on teaching |
| Admission Requirements | Professional degree in law (such as a JD or LL.B) and an LLM, outstanding academic credentials, and in some cases, a serious piece of independent, original research |
| Duration | Typically three to five years |
| Dissertation | Required and must contribute to the scholarly field of law |
| Teaching Opportunities | Graduates often secure teaching positions in their home countries, the US, or other countries |
| Selectivity | Highly selective, admitting only a small number of students with outstanding academic promise |
| Notable Institutions | Harvard Law School, NYU School of Law, Stanford Law School, University of Toronto Faculty of Law, Australian National University, Bond University, La Trobe University |
What is a JSD?
A Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD); Latin: Scientiae Juridicae Doctor, or a Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD); Latin: Juridicae Scientiae Doctor, is a research doctorate degree in law that is equivalent to a Ph.D. degree. In most countries, it is the most advanced law degree that can be earned.
The JSD is an intense academic research program, primarily geared towards those intending to pursue a career in academia. The program prepares students to produce first-class scholarship with a view to a teaching career either in the US or elsewhere in the world. The JSD/SJD typically requires three to five years to complete. The program begins with a combination of required and elective coursework. Then, upon passage of the oral exam, the student advances to doctoral candidacy. Completion of the program requires a dissertation, which serves as an original contribution to the scholarly field of law.
Admission to the JSD program is highly selective. Applicants for the program must have outstanding academic credentials. A professional degree in law (such as a JD) is required, as well as an LLM. Exceptions to the latter condition are seldom—if ever—granted. Only a very small number of students who demonstrate outstanding academic promise are admitted to JSD candidacy.
The JSD is offered by several universities in Australia, Canada, and the United States. In Australia, the degree is offered by the Australian National University, Bond University, La Trobe University, the University of Canberra, the University of New South Wales, the University of Technology Sydney, and the University of Western Australia. In Canada, the JSD or SJD is only offered at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. In the United States, the degree is offered by Harvard Law School, NYU School of Law, and Stanford Law School, among others.
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JSD vs JD
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a graduate-level law degree that is considered the first degree in law. Prospective lawyers typically obtain a JD before sitting for the bar exam. After completing the degree and passing the bar exam, graduates are eligible to practice law in the US.
On the other hand, a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) or a Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD) is a research-based doctoral degree in law that is considered the most advanced law degree. It is equivalent to a PhD and is designed for legal scholars and professionals who want to pursue in-depth research and writing in a specialized area of law. While a JD degree focuses on providing a broad-based legal education, an SJD/JSD degree emphasizes legal research and scholarship.
To be admitted to an SJD/JSD program, applicants must have outstanding academic credentials and a professional degree in law, such as a JD or LLB, although some programs may also require an LLM. SJD/JSD programs are typically more challenging and demanding than JD programs, as students are expected to conduct original research and contribute new knowledge to the field of law. As a result, these programs are often more selective and require a higher level of academic achievement for admission.
While JD graduates typically enter the legal profession as practicing attorneys, SJD/JSD graduates often pursue careers in academia or research. They may become law professors, legal researchers, or work in government agencies, international organizations, or non-profit organizations focused on legal research and policy development.
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Career options
A Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)Latin: Scientiae Juridicae Doctor or a Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD); Latin: Juridicae Scientiae Doctor is a research doctorate degree in law that is equivalent to a Ph.D. degree. It is the most advanced law degree that can be earned in most countries.
Legal Practice
With a JSD/SJD degree, individuals can pursue a career in legal practice. The degree is designed for aspiring legal academics who wish to pursue advanced studies, research, and writing in the field of law. The degree provides intense training in academic research, which can be applied to legal practice.
Academia
Many JSD/SJD degree holders pursue careers in academia, becoming legal scholars and teachers at universities and law schools. The degree is particularly well-suited for those intending to pursue a career in legal education and research, as it involves the completion of a dissertation that contributes to the scholarly field of law. The degree prepares individuals to produce first-class scholarship and publications in prominent law reviews and professional journals.
International Law
With a JSD/SJD degree, individuals can also specialize in international law. This field involves the study and practice of law as it relates to international organizations, treaties, and disputes. JSD/SJD programs often offer courses and research opportunities in this area, providing graduates with the knowledge and skills to work in international law.
Legal Theory
JSD/SJD degree holders can also pursue careers in legal theory, where they engage in scholarly research and writing to develop and critique legal concepts, principles, and arguments. This field involves the theoretical and philosophical study of law, and JSD/SJD programs often provide a strong foundation in this area through advanced coursework and dissertation supervision by leading faculty members.
Public Service
A JSD/SJD degree can also lead to career opportunities in public service, where individuals can apply their advanced legal knowledge and skills to contribute to the development and implementation of laws and policies. Notable JSD/SJD holders in public service include judges, diplomats, and solicitors general.
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Admission requirements
Admission to a JSD program is highly competitive and only open to exceptionally well-qualified students with outstanding academic credentials. Candidates must hold a professional degree in law, such as a Juris Doctor (JD) or its equivalent, and have successfully completed a Master of Laws (LLM) program or an equivalent graduate-level law program.
A bachelor's degree is a foundational requirement for entering these graduate-level law programs. In addition to academic qualifications, applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in legal research and scholarship, as well as a clear understanding of their proposed area of study.
The admission process typically requires a research proposal or study plan, which outlines the candidate's intended area of research and its potential contribution to the field of law. Applicants may also be required to undergo an oral examination to assess their knowledge and suitability for the program.
It is important to note that completion of an LLM or equivalent program does not guarantee admission to a JSD program. Admission to JSD programs is highly selective, and candidates are chosen based on their exceptional academic credentials, research potential, and the availability of faculty supervisors in their proposed area of study.
At some universities, such as Stanford Law School, JSD candidates who earned their LLM degree at another university must complete additional residency requirements and earn a specified number of units during their first and second years in the program.
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JSD programs
A Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) or a Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD) is a research doctorate degree in law that is equivalent to a Ph.D. degree. It is the most advanced law degree that can be earned in most countries. The SJD/JSD program is designed for aspiring legal academics who wish to pursue independent study, research, and writing. The program typically requires three to five years to complete and involves coursework, oral exams, and a dissertation. The dissertation is expected to be an original contribution to the scholarly field of law.
The SJD/JSD program is ideal for students who have completed a JD (Juris Doctor) degree and are looking to engage in high-level legal research and contribute original insights to legal scholarship and theory. The program offers students the opportunity to delve into specialized areas of law, such as international law, legal theory, and the science of law. While the SJD focuses primarily on legal scholarship, the JSD has a stronger emphasis on the practical applications of the science of law. JSD students often focus on the theoretical foundations of law and its application to contemporary legal challenges.
The SJD/JSD program is offered by several top law schools in the United States, including Harvard Law School, NYU School of Law, and Yale Law School. These programs attract a diverse group of students from around the world, many of whom secure teaching positions in their home countries or in the United States. The program typically admits a small number of students who demonstrate outstanding academic credentials and potential for scholarly research.
The SJD/JSD degree prepares graduates for careers in academia, policy-making, legal publishing, and high-level legal research. Graduates of these programs often pursue academic careers, policy leadership roles, or consultancy positions at institutions like the World Trade Organization. The degree is also suitable for those seeking academic employment in their home countries or wishing to further their legal education at the highest level.
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Frequently asked questions
JSD stands for Doctor of Juridical Science, also known as Doctor of the Science of Law. It is a research doctorate degree in law that is equivalent to a Ph.D.
Yes, a JSD can practice law. The degree is designed for aspiring legal academics who wish to pursue independent study, research, and writing.
A professional degree in law (such as a JD) is required, as well as an LLM. The program typically requires three to five years to complete and includes coursework, an oral exam, and a dissertation.
JSD holders often pursue careers in academia, teaching law at universities. Some may also work in the private sector or for non-profit organizations.
Notable universities offering JSD programs include Harvard Law School, NYU School of Law, and Stanford Law School. Internationally, the degree is offered by several universities in Australia, Canada, and Italy.
